Pastor Terry Jones returns to Michigan this week

Controversial Florida Pastor Terry Jones is coming back to Michigan this week. Terry Jones gained fame for burning a copy of the Qur’an as a protest against what he calls ‘radical’ Islam. His attempt to hold a protest in Dearborn landed him in jail briefly this Spring. He’s due back in a Dearborn courtroom on Thursday.

Before then on Wednesday, Jones plans to take part in a rally at the state capital, which he says will focus on America’s moral decay and the rise of radical Islam.

“We are just greatly concerned, as many Americans are, about the direction that our country is taking. And what we are hoping to accomplish there is to encourage Americans to speak up…and out.”

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero is trying to discourage Jones’ critics from attempting to shout him down during the rally.

“I understand that some folks might feel the need to …take a stand against the ‘hatred’ the might be spewing from the capital steps…we’re just trying to make sure the word gets out if you want to take a stand…if there’s something you want to express…come to the church."

The city has organized an interfaith counter rally at a Lansing church, which Mayor Bernero hopes will draw more people and promote a more inclusive and peaceful message.